Frequently Asked Questions about The Mead School Child Care Program

Our goal is to help you fully understand the vibrant learning community that is The Mead School. We welcome all inquiries but our FAQs section provides answers to questions most commonly asked by applicant families.

The Child Care Program is a play-based, hands-on, socially interactive learning environment committed to nurturing the development of the whole child. From our youngest infant to our oldest preschooler, we see each child as a developing human being, a life long learner, and an active participant in the learning process. We understand that each child develops at his or her own unique pace and we work to create an environment that addresses each child’s emotional, social and intellectual needs.

We staff each center with three full time teachers. As a result, our ratios not only meet, but often exceed standards set by the Department of Public Health and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC.)

Children benefit from being in groups of diverse developmental stages and skills. When placing children into groups, we carefully look at each child’s development and chronological age. We assess individual needs as well as the needs of the entire group to make sure we reach an optimal balance.

Each center is staffed with a designated teaching team. Each teaching team is comprised of three full time teachers: One Center Director and two Associate Teachers. Program administrators and floaters (full time substitutes) provide coverage for teacher absences.

At Mead, we believe in establishing and maintaining open lines of communication with parents as a vital part of our approach to nurturing and educating the whole child. We communicate continuously with parents in a variety of ways, including daily conversations, weekly letters and e-notes, informational bulletin boards, parenting workshops, parent association meetings, family events and goals conferences. Our responsive staff is always willing to set up a mutually convenient time to discuss questions and comments about your child’s experience.

In addition to our spacious classrooms, children have an entire campus to explore. When ready, children make good use of our developmentally appropriate outdoor play spaces, sharing room, gymnasium and stage.

Our program opens each day at 6:15 AM and closes promptly at 6:00 PM. We find that most families fall into a fairly consistent routine with regards to drop off and pick up times. When planning for your routine, please keep in mind that each center maintains a specific schedule of activities.

In the morning, it’s important to leave plenty of time for children to separate from their parents, transition into the center and create shared experiences with their peers before moving into the more structured part of the day. Ideally, this means that most children arrive no later than 9:00 AM, especially those ranging in age from two to five.

In the afternoon/evening, it’s important to leave time for children to finish up whatever they might be working on before heading home.

We fully understand the need for a late arrival or early pick up from time to time. When times like this arise, we ask that you be in touch with your child’s teaching team. Together, you can put a plan in place to support a change in schedule.

Parents must provide lunch, snacks, diapers, wipes, extra clothes and weather-appropriate shoes as well as and supplies for nap/rest time. A complete list of provisions and supplies can be found in our family handbook.

With symptoms such vomiting, fever and diarrhea, we ask that children be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to Mead. We do not have a policy regarding runny noses or the common cold. We look at the whole child (symptoms and behavior) and ask for clearance from a health care practitioner when needed. Our complete policy can be found in our family handbook.

Mead’s child care teachers are trained in infant/child CPR and first aid through the CT Red Cross. Additionally, they receive training in the administration of epi-pens and mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect.

We offer several payment plans to fit the needs of individual families. Please contact our Admissions office at brooke_wachtel@meadschool.org or 203-595-9500 x46 for information about payment plans and which might work best for you.

We understand that young children are learning how to be pro-social and for many, this is their first experience interacting with a group of peers. Rather than discipline, we support this process by using a wide variety of positive guidance techniques that enable children to develop a repertoire of strategies to use whenever they are feeling stuck. Among other things, we want children to learn how to understand, express and advocate for their needs and wants, respect the needs and wants of others, learn how to negotiate, compromise and problem solve.

The Child Care Program enrolls students who range in age from 6 weeks to 5 years. It is open from 6:15 AM to 6:00 PM, September through August for families who need care for the majority of the day/year.

In the school, Beginnings and one of our Early Learning Centers enrolls students who range in age from 2 to 4. In general, these centers are open from 8:45 to 11:30 AM and enroll families who are looking to begin the socialization process for their children.

If you are interested in learning more about either program please don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule a private tour.

Weather permitting, we head outdoors at least twice each day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. In the warmer months, we often spend more time outdoors, bringing materials or activities from inside to the outside space.

Tuition reimbursement insurance is required of most contracts unless paying for tuition in full and up front. If you decide to withdraw, the insurance company will cover a percentage of the tuition for any unused time.

Parents are welcomed visitors and often participate in their child’s experience in a variety of ways. We often have nursing mothers in the Infant Center. Family members are encouraged to share books, stories, activities or important traditions with their child’s class. The best way to do this is to work with your child’s teaching team so that everyone can plan accordingly.

We hope you do! We encourage you to visit while the program is in session to get the full Mead experience. We offer individual tours during the day as well three Open Houses throughout the year so that you have a chance to speak directly with staff and parents. Many parents like the Open House as an extra opportunity to observe their child in the center with their teachers.